NDSU Department of Communication doctoral student Laura Farrell and professor Robert Littlefield’s article, “Identifying Communication Strategies in Cases of Domestic Terrorism: Applying Cultural Context to the Fort Hood Shooting,” has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The journal is listed on the ISI Master Journal List.
The article investigated the crisis communication strategies revealed through U.S. media during the immediate post-crisis phase of the Nov. 5, 2009, shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. A textual analysis identified situational crisis communication theory strategies employed by different representatives and groups. Cultural context emerged as the key variable in explaining what happened when culturally insensitive policies and procedures were revealed. The case illustrates the importance of incorporating a culturally sensitive approach to homeland security policies, procedures and understanding.
Communication doctoral student Katherine Gronewold, professor Ann Burnett and communication department chair Mark Meister’s article, “Farmers’ Cynicism Toward Nature and Distrust of the Government: Where Does that Leave Conservation Buffer Programs?” has been accepted for publication in the journal, Applied Environmental Education and Communication. The journal is the official publication of the North American Association for Environmental Education and the World Conservation Union Commission on Education and Communication.
The article abstract states that farmers are commonly regarded as stewards of the land. However, farmers generally have become cynical toward nature and distrustful of the government. The article examines whether that cynicism and distrust are reflected in farmers’ opinions of and future participation in conservation buffer programs; and, if so, how these sentiments are manifested. Study findings suggest that farmers expressed both cynicism and distrust about conservation buffer programs, perhaps suggesting that the government is not doing well in communicating about its programs to constituents. Implications and future research also are presented.
NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.